Eric Dier (31, Bayern Munich) overcame a scoring crisis thanks to Kim Min-jae.

Bayern Munich won 3-1 against Augsburg in the '2024-2025 Bundesliga Round 28' held at WWK Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on Dec. 5. With 68 points, Bayern Munich (21 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses) is leading the league.

Kim Min-jae, who has an Achilles tendon issue, also suffered from back pain and a cold. Kim Min-jae started despite the injuries and played the full match. Partnering with Eric Dier in central defense, Kim Min-jae was a key player in Munich's defense.

There was a moment when Kim Min-jae shone. In the 45th minute of the second half, leading 3-1, Munich faced a scoring crisis that Kim Min-jae helped avert. Dier made a mistake during the defensive process, giving the opponent an opportunity in front of the goal. Kim Min-jae quickly intervened, blocking the shot and making a decisive defensive play.

Kim Min-jae showed leadership by urging his fellow defenders to focus with hand gestures. On this day, Kim Min-jae recorded a pass success rate of 94% (77 attempts). He won 3 out of 5 aerial duels. With 1 interception, 4 clearances, and 1 successful tackle, Kim Min-jae's outstanding defense was on display.

The football site 'Footmob' rated Kim Min-jae with a score of 7.7, making him the second-best rated defender after Stanisic's 8.1.

After the match, Germany's 'Bavarian Football Works' awarded Kim Min-jae the 'Kaiser,' given to the best performer. The newspaper noted, 'Kim Min-jae took on the responsibility of leading the defense despite his injuries. He perfectly fulfilled his role,' praising him as the Kaiser.

Dier got through the crisis thanks to Kim Min-jae. After the match, Dier said, 'There is no pressure at all. I train hard every day and prepare for matches. Matches are the result of preparation. That's how I live my life.'

Munich's defense has collapsed due to injuries. Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies returned to Munich with injuries sustained during international duty. Notably, Davies suffered a torn knee ligament and has been ruled out for the season. Furthermore, Ito Hitoki, who was substituted in the match against St. Pauli, has also been ruled out for at least 3 months this season. Three defenders are out.

Munich will face Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Dec. 9. They are once again in a situation where they must rely entirely on the injured Kim Min-jae.

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